Top 10 Reads of 2011

Whew! I'll admit to being a bit stunned that 2011 is already at an end. I feel like it has just flown by. I had a solid year of reading in 2011 and was able to finish 62 books. Almost the exact same number of books as last year which I found to be amusing. 2009 remains as my best year of reading ever (since I started keeping track anyways). It may not be a huge number of books that I finished this year, but I enjoyed most of what I read and I only set aside one book as a DNF. I did a top ten list last year for the first time and have really enjoyed looking back on my favorite reads of the year...so of course I'm going to do it again :) In no particular order, here are my favorites reads from 2011.



Feed by Mira Grant- This one was a no-brainer for me (pun intended..ha ha). I cried at the end of this book....cried. It is my ABSOLUTELY favorite zombie book ever and I enjoyed it so much that I've hesitated to read the second book. Because how can it possibly live up to Feed??

Cold Magic by Kate Elliott- Elliott swept me up in a world filled with mages and magic. And although it was a chunkster I took no notice and was caught up in its' many twists and turns. Another amazing beginning to a trilogy that I'm anxious to continue on with.



Graveminder by Melissa Marr- I've seen some mixed reviews for this one but I absolutely adored it. Marr created a unique world that kept me engrossed throughout and I'm eager for more. And Marr has gone on my auto buy list (along with the rest of these authors of course).

Affinity by Sarah Waters- I've heard bloggers sing Waters' praises for awhile now so I joined in on Andi's readalong this year. I'm now a huge fan as Affinity was filled with some of the things I love best including a creepy prison, a gothic feel, and atmosphere in spades. I've already added another book by Waters to my shelves :)



Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay- I loved this book beyond words!!! Jay has created such a dark and gritty world and the main character fits right in. I opened up this book and instantly didn't want to put it down. I CANNOT wait for the 2nd book to come out in the new year.

C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton- This may be cheating a bit as in 2011 I came to realize that Sue Grafton's alphabet mystery series was fast becoming one of my favorites. I love Kinsey's character and find the books to be a breath of fresh air. Love. So far C is for Corpse is my favorite of the series but I would include them all in my top ten if I could :)



Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson- Hands down this was one of the best thrillers that I read all year. I stayed up late into the night to finish it and trust me when I say that I was still thinking about it a week later. I'm looking forward to reading anything/everything the author writes in the future. LOL!

Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep- Spider's Bite is one of those books that languished on my shelf for way too long, and I absolutely loved every single page of it when I finally picked it up. It was such an amazing beginning to this urban fantasy series, and I can't wait to read more about Gin and her adventures!



Phoenix Rising (A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel) by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris- I have a huge love for the steampunk genre and this book was such a treat to read. Two great main characters on a whirlwind adventure....what's not to love??? The 2nd book is supposed to be out in 2012 and I can't wait!

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson- Hands down this was my favorite YA read of the year. Johnson created such a great character in Rory, and I loved the atmosphere that was created with the "Rippermania" that was present throughout the story. This was a first in a new series as well and I'll be waiting impatiently for the 2nd book to come out.

So here you have it...my top 10 reads of 2011. This was harder than I thought as there were a lot of other great books that I had to leave off my list. I'm planning on writing up a reading goals post for 2012 this week and to share which (if any) challenges I'm joining. I'm loving reading everyone's anticipated 2012 reads so I might do one of those as well :) I hope that everyone has a wonderful 2012 and here is to looking forward to what it may have in store. Possibilities... :)